Garmin Dive Computers Comparison

13/04/23
Garmin Dive Computers Comparison

Are you a scuba diving enthusiast looking to elevate your underwater experience? As a diver, you understand the importance of having the right gear to ensure both safety and fun while exploring the deep blue sea. One essential piece of equipment is a reliable dive computer. Look no further, as Garmin offers a comprehensive range of watch style dive computers tailor-made for passionate divers like you. In this ultimate guide, we'll help you navigate through the incredible features of the Garmin Descent Dive Computers – Descent Mk2i, Descent Mk2sDescent G1 and G1 SOLAR. All Garmin dive computer models are innovative, feature-packed devices that elevate your diving experience. They provide critical dive data and reliable safety features, all while fitting seamlessly on your wrist. Below we included a quick comparison chart on all diving, fitness and health functions they offer, so buckle up! 

Garmin Dive Computer Comparison

Features

Garmin G1

Garmin G1 SOLAR

Garmin Mk2S

Garmin Mk2i

Physical size

45.5 x 45.5 x 15.2 mm
Silicone Band: 128-224 mm
Extra Long Silicone Band: 128-373 mm

45.5 x 45.5 x 15.2 mm
Silicone Band: 128-224 mm
Extra Long Silicone Band: 128-373 mm

43 x 43 x 14.15 mm 

Fits wrists with the following circumference:
Silicone band: 128-224 mm
Extra long silicone band: 126-360 mm

52 x 52 x 17.8 mm

Fits wrists with the following circumference:
Silicone band: 135-230 mm
Extra long silicone band: 135-355 mm
Titanium bracelet: 135-220 mm

Display

MONOCHROME

MONOCHROME

COLOUR

TAP COLOUR

Display Size

custom, two-window design: 0.9” x 0.9” (23 x 23 mm)

custom, two-window design: 0.9” x 0.9” (23 x 23 mm)

1.2” (30.4 mm) diameter

1.4” (35.56 mm) diameter

Display Resolution

176 x 176 pixels

176 x 176 pixels

240 x 240 pixels

280 x 280 pixels

Display Type

monochrome, sunlight-visible, transflective memory-in-pixel (MIP)

monochrome, sunlight-visible, transflective memory-in-pixel (MIP)

sunlight-visible, transflective memory-in-pixel (MIP)

sunlight-visible, transflective memory-in-pixel (MIP)

Weight

61 g

66 g

silicone band: 60 g
case only: 41 g

silicone band: 99.6 g
titanium band: 160.3 g

Water rating

Dive (100 meters)

Dive (100 meters)

Dive (100 meters)

Dive (100 meters)

Battery life

Dive Mode: Up to 25 hours
Smartwatch: Up to 21 days
Battery Saver Watch Mode: Up to 48 days
GPS: Up to 26 hours
Max Battery GPS Mode: Up to 56 hours
Expedition GPS Activity: Up to 27 days

Dive Mode: Up to 25 hours
Smartwatch: Up to 21 days/4 months with solar *
Battery Saver Watch Mode: Up to 48 days/Unlimited with solar*
GPS: Up to 26 hours/39 hours with solar **
Max Battery GPS Mode: Up to 56 hours/205 hours with solar**
Expedition GPS Activity: Up to 27 days/Unlimited with solar*

*Solar charging, assuming all-day wear with 3 hours per day outside in 50,000 lux conditions
**Solar charging, assuming use in 50,000 lux conditions

Smartwatch: Up to 7 days
Battery Saver Watch Mode: Up to 21 days
GPS: Up to 18 hours
GPS + Music: Up to 6 hours 
Max Battery GPS Mode: Up to 32 hours
Dive mode: Up to 30 hours

Smartwatch: Up to 16 days
Battery Saver Watch Mode: Up to 50 days
GPS: Up to 48 hours
GPS + Music: Up to 15 hours
Max Battery GPS Mode: Up to 96 hours
Dive mode: Up to 80 hours
Dive mode with Descent T1: Up to 32 hours
Expedition GPS Activity: up to 35 days

 


Garmin Descent Dive Comparison Chart

Garmin Descent Computers' Dive Functions

Are you ready to take your scuba diving to the next level? Whichever Garmin Dive Computer you go for you get full diving features from beginner to closed circuit rebreather diver. With Garmin's dive modes, you can customise your dive experience like never before. Whether you're embarking on a single or multiple gas dive, including nitrogen or trimix, or trying your hand at apnea or closed-circuit rebreather diving, the options are endless and packed in every Garmin watch style dice computer. Plus, with surface multi-GNSS connectivity, you can easily track your entry and exit points, and with the dive log, you can store and review data from up to 200 dives. Want to customise your dive modes even further? The Garmin Dive app allows for additional screens with the fields you want to see. Plus, with the built-in 3-axis compass, you can navigate below the waterline with ease. And, for surf enthusiasts, just pair the watch with your smartphone for the latest in tide data and surf conditions. Here is a quick comparison of the main Garmin dive computers dive functions:

Dive Functions

Garmin G1

Garmin G1 SOLAR

Garmin Mk2S

Garmin Mk2i

Single-gas mode

Multi-gas mode

Gauge mode

APNEA mode

APNEA hunt mode

Decompression model

Bühlmann ZHL-16c with gradient factors

Bühlmann ZHL-16c with gradient factors

Bühlmann ZHL-16c with gradient factors

Bühlmann ZHL-16c with gradient factors

Nitrox support

Trimix support

Closed Circuit Rebreather (CCR)

Gas mixes

Air, Nitrox and Trimix up to 100% O2; 1 bottom gas and up to 11 deco and/or backup gasses.

Air, Nitrox and Trimix up to 100% O2; 1 bottom gas and up to 11 deco and/or backup gasses.

Air, Nitrox and Trimix, up to 100% O2; 1 bottom gas and up to 11 deco and/or backup gasses.

Air, Nitrox and Trimix, up to 100% O2; 1 bottom gas and up to 11 deco and/or backup gasses.

PO2

Up to 2.0 with customizable deco PO2 setting

Up to 2.0 with customizable deco PO2 setting

Up to 2.0 with customizable deco PO2 setting

Up to 2.0 with customizable deco PO2 setting

Subwave™ INTEGRATION

No

No

No

YES – SUBWAVE TM up to 5 Descent T1 transmitters



Garmin Dive Computers Sport Functions Comparison Chart

Beyond the Depths: Garmin Dive Computers Sport Functions Comparison

Not only are Garmin dive computers reliable buddies underwater, but they also make a great companion for monitoring your health and fitness. With the Descent series, you can track your daily activities, heart rate, sleep patterns, and stress levels. You can also access a wide range of sports profiles, such as running, swimming, and cycling, providing insights into your performance and helping you reach your fitness goals.

 

SPORT FUNCTIONS

Garmin G1

Garmin G1 SOLAR

Garmin Mk2S

Garmin Mk2i

Available outdoor recreation profiles

Hiking, Indoor Climbing, Bouldering, Climbing, Skiing, Snowboarding, XC Classic Skiing, Stand Up Paddleboarding, Rowing, Kayaking, Surfing, Hunting, Kiteboarding, Windsurfing, Snowhshoeing, Fishing, Horseback Riding, Tennis, Tactical

Hiking, Indoor Climbing, Bouldering, Climbing, Skiing, Snowboarding, XC Classic Skiing, Stand Up Paddleboarding, Rowing, Kayaking, Surfing, Hunting, Kiteboarding, Windsurfing, Snowhshoeing, Fishing, Horseback Riding, Tennis, Tactical

Hiking, Indoor Climbing, Bouldering, Climbing, Mountain Biking, Skiing, Snowboarding, XC Classic Skiing, Backcountry Skiing, Stand Up Paddleboarding, Rowing, Kayaking, Surfing, Hunting, Kiteboarding, Windsurfing, Snowshoeing, Horseback Riding, Jumpmaster, Tennis, Pickleball, Tactical

Hiking, Indoor Climbing, Bouldering, Climbing, Mountain Biking, Skiing, Snowboarding, XC Classic Skiing, Backcountry Skiing, Stand Up Paddleboarding, Rowing, Kayaking, Surfing, Hunting, Kiteboarding, Windsurfing, Snowshoeing, Horseback Riding, Jumpmaster, Tennis, Pickleball, Tactical

Stealth Mode

-

-

-

YES

Dual grid coordinates

YES

YES

YES

YES

Kill switch

-

-

-

YES

 

Daily smart features

Connectivity

Bluetooth®, ANT+®

Bluetooth®, ANT+®

Bluetooth® Smart, ANT+®, Wi-Fi®

Bluetooth® Smart, ANT+®, Wi-Fi®

Plays and controls watch music

-

-

YES

YES

Music storage

-

-

YES

YES

Smartphone compatibility

iPhone®, Android™

iPhone®, Android™

iPhone®, Android™

iPhone®, Android

Pairs with Garmin Golf app

YES

YES

-

-


Garmin Dive Computers Health Monitoring Functions

Tune in to your body: Garmin Dive Computers Health Monitoring Functions Comparison

Getting a good night's sleep is so important to feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the day ahead. But it's not just about how many hours you spend in bed, it's also about the quality of your sleep. That's where our dedicated Garmin Dive Computer sleep widget comes in - not only can you see a breakdown of your light, deep and REM sleep stages, but you can also access your sleep score and insights. And that's not all our watch can do! It's like having your own personal trainer on your wrist, helping you to track your vigorous activity levels, monitor your body's energy levels and keep track of your daily fluid intake. Plus, with the ability to constantly monitor your heart rate, you can ensure you're giving your body the right amount of rest and recovery time. When comparing all Garmin Dive Computers have a wide range of health monitoring functions such as:

    • Wrist-based heart rate (constant, every second)
    • Daily Resting Heart Rate
    • Abnormal Heart Rate Alerts
    • Respiration Rate (24x7)
    • Pulse Ox Blood Oxygen Saturation
    • Fitness Age
    • Body Battery™ Energy Monitor
    • All-day Stress
    • Relaxation Breathing Timer
    • Sleep Monitor
    • Sleep Score and Insights
    • Hydration
    • Women's Health
    • Health Snapshot



Garmin Dive Computers App Comparison

Stay Connected: Syncing Your Garmin Dive Computer with Garmin Applications

For any scuba diving enthusiast, the Garmin Descent dive computers are the ultimate tool for exploring the depths of the ocean. But, did you know that they are also equipped with a range of iPhone and Android applications? The Garmin Dive App is an ideal tool for all divers, allowing them to track and analyse their dive logs, monitor ascent and descent rates, and plan their next amazing dive adventure. With apps like GARMIN Connect Mobile and Garmin Explore, you can stay on top of your fitness routine and review your upcoming outdoor excursions. And with the Garmin Connect IQ App, you can personalise your device with easy downloads of watch faces, widgets and more. If you're ready to take your diving experience to the next level, make sure to check out these cutting-edge Garmin apps - they're a real game-changer! By connecting your Garmin dive computer to the Garmin Dive™ and Garmin Connect™ apps, you'll have access to even more valuable features.

Garmin Dive Computers App Comparison Chart



Pairing Garmin Dive Computers with Other Garmin Devices

Enhance your diving experience by linking your Garmin dive computer with other Garmin devices. Pair it with the Garmin inReach® mini two-way satellite communicator for seamless messaging, or connect it to a GNX™ Wind Marine Instrument to access wind and weather data. Now that you have discovered the fantastic features of Garmin watch style dive computers, it's time to choose the perfect partner for your underwater adventures. Browse and shop our Garmin Dive Computers Collection and embark on your next scuba diving journey with confidence! Don't forget to share your experiences and thoughts in the comments section below. Dive on!

Garmin Garmin G1 and Garmin G1 Solar

Garmin Descent Mk2S and Garmin Mk2

Garmin Descent Mk2i

Alpha 200i K,

Atemos,

GPSMAP 66i,

InReach Mini,

InReach Mini 1

Montana 700,

Montana 750i,

Cycling Rally XC100,

Cycling Rally XC200 pedals,

VIRB 360 Camera,

VIRN Ultra30 Camera

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Alpha 200i K

Approach CT10 Full Set

GPSMAP 66i

inReach Mini

InReach Mini 2

Montana 700,

Montana 750i,

Varia Rearview Bike Radar

Varia RVR315

Varia Smart Bike Lights

Varia Vision in-sight display

Vector 2 Pedals

Vector 2S Pedals

Vector 3 Pedals

Vector 3S Pedals

 

 

Garmin Descent T1 Transmitter

Alpha 200i K

Approach CT10 Full Set

GPSMAP 66i

inReach Mini

InReach Mini 2

InReach Mini,

Montana 700,

Montana 750i,

Varia Rearview Bike Radar

Varia RVR315

Varia Smart Bike Lights

Varia Vision in-sight display

Vector 2 Pedals

Vector 2S Pedals

Vector 3 Pedals

Vector 3S Pedals




Shop Garmin Computers at Mike's Dive Store

Garmin Dive Computers Advice

Still not sure which Garmin dive computer to buy? If you have any questions about the Garmin range of dive computers, including tips and advice, please email us at support@mikesdivestore.com, where we have a team of diving professionals here to assist you in making the right decision on your next watch type dive computer

Or, if you live locally or in the surrounding areas of London, pop in and visit us in-store, where you can try on a wide range of dive computers and accessories for yourself and get a feel of which styles you like best.